MOTORISTS have been put on notice they cannot use off-limits areas of the Warrnambool foreshore for free parking.

Dozens of drivers who headed to the beach to cool off on Friday and to the evening markets at Lake Pertobe returned to find notices on their windscreen advising it was a “No stopping” area. Mayor Michael Neoh confirmed yesterday the warnings had been issued by council local laws officers.

“There are no exemptions for people attending the Friday night markets,” he said.

“I had a complaint mid-week from a member of the general public and local laws officers have made it clear that no-parking rules apply at all times. Particularly with the Pertobe Road area opposite the caravan park it is a safety issue. We don’t want cars pulling in and out and stopping on the bend.”

One person told The Standard they had parked beside Viaduct Road, walked to Stingray Bay for a swim and returned to find a notice from the city council.

Another motorist who parked on the grass beside Pertobe Road opposite Surfside Holiday Park received a $141 fine on Thursday. Fence posts in front of the roadside grass have ‘no standing signs.

“It is not uncommon for all of the beach car parks to become over-full on days of extreme heat,” the motorist said.

“If the council is going to fine everyone for ‘creative’ parking on very hot days, I can’t see how it can do any good for our tourism industry.”